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MLB free agency: 5 possible landing spots for Yoenis Cespedes

By Cody Williams

Oct 12, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) runs the bases after hitting a three run home run during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the NLDS at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) runs the bases after hitting a three run home run during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the NLDS at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Colby Rasmus (28) celebrates with third baseman Luis Valbuena (18) after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Colby Rasmus (28) celebrates with third baseman Luis Valbuena (18) after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Houston Astros

The possibility of the Houston Astros being able to sign Cespedes in free agency are diminished a bit after Colby Rasmus, their leftfielder from last season, accepted the qualifying offer from Houston. That leaves their starting outfield from last season in Rasmus, Carlos Gomez, and George Springer all returning for next season as of now. Even then, there may not be a team in baseball who plays a game more better-suited for Cespedes in the heart of the lineup.

While the Astros were making their highly unexpected run into the postseason, they were absolutely hitting the cover off of the ball all season. Only the Toronto Blue Jays hit more home runs than the Astros last season and the next closest team in that regard had 13 fewer long-balls than Houston did. However, the Astros fell below the league average in terms of on-base percentage of .317 as they posted only a mark of .315. Considering Cespedes’ OBP of .337 and the fact that he mashed 35 dingers last season, he would fit their style and possibly improve it, as well.

The only real issue is how the Astros would go about making room for Cespedes in that outfield. However, the possibility of trading Carlos Gomez, who has one year and $9 million remaining on his deal and moving either Rasmus or Cespedes to center field isn’t incredibly far-fetched. Moreover, it would be an upgrade for their batting order. The Astros are on the cusp of potentially being great, and landing Cespedes might just get them there.

Next: No. 1 Miami Marlins

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